Casa Amona, a striking two-storey home designed by the local architecture studio Colar, sits elegantly beside a wooded hillside in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico. Rendered in white lime, this 155-square-metre residence exemplifies organic design, crafted for multi-generational living, featuring a one-bedroom house that can be adapted into a two-bedroom space, alongside a studio and guest bedroom.
A Dynamic Dialogue with Nature and Harmonious Design
The angular design of Casa Amona maximizes views from every angle, ensuring each room offers a unique connection to the surrounding hills. This harmony with nature is amplified by sheltered terraces and a mix of slender and expansive windows that punctuate the facade. “The house fosters a continuous dialogue between domestic life and the landscape,” Colar shared. “It engages with the garden actively, using various openings to form distinct relationships with the environment.” This is a classic example of natural architecture where surroundings become part of the living experience.
Innovative Spaces for Living and Working
At the entrance, a covered entryway welcomes visitors to the main dwelling, while a separate entrance leads to the studio space under a wooden roof next to a spacious planted courtyard. The interior features a thoughtful layout where rooms are stacked to function independently, containing living spaces on the lower level and a bedroom above. Architectural principles are evident in this organic integration of living and working spaces with the environment.
Flexible Multi-Generational Design
Designed to accommodate varying family needs, a ground-floor living area easily morphs into a bedroom without major alterations. The upper level hosts the primary bedroom, a cozy study, and three terraces with stunning landscape views. “The house is organized into spatially autonomous yet interconnected units, adapting to different family dynamics over time,” the studio elaborated. An adjacent workshop adds a dimension for artistic endeavors, family gatherings, or independent living.
For more on innovative home design, explore how a Spectacular Québec Home blends concrete and timber to maximize views and natural beauty.
Tradition Meets Modernity with Rustic Design
Employing local building techniques, Casa Amona showcases exposed lime-rendered concrete blockwork and brick walls both inside and out, complemented by carpentry and clay tile floors. “Our material palette respects local traditions while allowing for a contemporary expression,” noted the studio. This blend is a testament to structural design that uses materials connecting traditional methods with modern aesthetics. The photography capturing this integration of tradition and modernity is by Ariadna Polo.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the architectural style of Casa Amona?
Casa Amona exemplifies organic design, integrating the home with its natural surroundings through angular design and various openings that form distinct relationships with the environment.
How does Casa Amona accommodate different family needs?
Casa Amona is designed to accommodate varying family needs with a flexible layout, where a ground-floor living area can easily morph into a bedroom, and the house is organized into spatially autonomous yet interconnected units.
What building techniques does Casa Amona use?
Casa Amona employs local building techniques, showcasing exposed lime-rendered concrete blockwork and brick walls, complemented by carpentry and clay tile floors, connecting traditional methods with modern aesthetics.